Verweigerung

Verweigerung is the noun derived from the verb verweigern and denotes the act of refusing, denying, or not complying with a request, obligation, or offer. It describes deliberate non-acceptance or non-fulfillment and can range from informal refusals in daily life to formal denials in administrative or legal contexts.

In everyday language, Verweigerung occurs when someone declines a request or invitation, refuses to perform a task, or withholds consent or information. In administrative or legal settings, it can refer to the denial of a service, a permit, an answer, or a claim. The term is often neutral, but it can carry negative connotations if the refusal blocks a right, a duty, or a contractual obligation.

In legal contexts, Verweigerung can have procedural or substantive consequences depending on the circumstances. A refused request may trigger remedies, appeals, or sanctions. A notable example is the Zeugnisverweigerungsrecht, the right to refuse to testify or to provide certain information before courts in specific situations. In labor law, work refusal (Arbeitsverweigerung) can be disciplinary, depending on the applicable rules and conditions.

Etymologically, Verweigerung comes from the verb verweigern, with the prefix ver- adding negation or turning away. The term is used across civil life, administration, and jurisprudence in German-speaking areas.